Changes to The Highway Code: hierarchy of road users, 29 Jan 2022

My understanding/interpretation of the changes to The Highway Code coming into effect on 29th January 2022:

The priority change when ‘Turning into or Emerging from’ junctions is, perhaps, the most significant change as the Motorist should now ‘Give Way’ to Pedestrians waiting to cross at a junction (this is NEW!); also to Cyclists going ahead at the junction.

Allowing more SPACE & keeping SPEED low when passing ‘vulnerable’ road users is the other key theme: at least 1.5m for Cyclists, 2m for Pedestrians walking in the road, and 2m at sub-10mph for Horse Riders.
If space isn’t available hold back on the overtake until it is.

Recognise that Cyclists may now take road positions which may previously have been considered ‘unusual’ (or even obstructive!) to a Motorist e.g. in the centre of a lane rather than nearer the kerb, or cycling 2 abreast. Similarly, their route around roundabouts may differ from a Motorist’s; space should be given to enable them to follow this route, particularly crossing exits.

The ‘Dutch Reach’ opposite hand technique encourages both Drivers & Passengers to look over their shoulder to check for passing Cyclists or Pedestrians before opening a car door:    • The Dutch Reach #TeachTheReach! | Cycling UK  

As with any change implemented on such a mass scale there will inevitably be a period of transition as people become familiar with the new rules.Taking extra care on the road during this period would clearly be prudent!

3 Simple Habits of a Safe Driving Plan:

1 Take a bit of SPEED out
2 Put a bit of SPACE in
3 Ditch the Distractions - ‘Eyes on the Road’

‘BoB’ & ‘ToM’ 3 Mirror ‘Rainbow’ sweeps, & ‘Lifesaver Look’ habits now more important than ever!

More than just pedantic ‘semantics’: please note that in some parts of this video I incorrectly use the term ‘MUST’ which has a specific legal meaning within The Highway Code and thus overstates these ‘best practice guidance’ changes the code is giving here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/th... *


OFFICIAL GUIDANCE provided by DVSA for cascade to pupils, verbatim:

From 29 January rules for all types of road users will be updated in The Highway Code to improve the safety of people walking, cycling and riding horses.

As a professional trainer or instructor, you know how important it is to stay up to date with the Highway Code.

We are asking for your support to remind your pupils to “check the Code” regularly, even after they finish their professional training or instruction with you.

New hierarchy of road users.

The changes being made by the Government on 29 January introduce a new ‘hierarchy of road users’.

The new hierarchy explains that those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.

This principle applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, cars and motorcycles.

Other more vulnerable road users have a responsibility to reduce danger to people walking. None of this detracts from the responsibility of ALL road users, including people walking, cycling or riding a horse, to have regard for their own and other road users’ safety.

Changes at a glance

The latest changes to The Highway Code include:

1. Giving people walking across and people cycling going straight ahead priority when turning in and out of junctions

2. Leaving at least 1.5 metres when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds

3. Passing people riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle at speeds under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres of space

4. Allowing at least 2 metres of space and keep to a low speed when passing a person who is walking in the road

5. Encouraging people driving vehicles to open their doors with the hand furthest from the door, to help them look over their shoulder behind them to see people cycling or walking nearby

6. People cycling may ride in the centre of the road or two abreast for their own safety, whilst allowing others to overtake when it is safe for them to do so

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Other useful sources:

The Highway Code: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highw...

My video explaining M S P S L (A D A) & I - P S G A ‘system’ driving:    • M S P S L Routine - Sequence/System of Car...  

Cycling UK’s explanation of the changes:    • Confused about the changes to the Highway ...  

Cyclist & Equestrian ‘PASS WIDE’, & Mobile-Distracted Pedestrian graphics from ‘Project Pictogram’ driving safer road 2016:    • Project Pictogram, A Plea For Road Safety ...  

https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/wp-conte...

Another point of view from Propel: Dutch Streets are 300% Safer than American Ones. Why?    • Dutch Streets are 300% Safer than American...  

Chris, World Driving, gives a perspective on how Examiners may assess the changed priorities at junctions during an L-Test:    • This WILL affect your driving test - Highw...